Flexible optical device

ABSTRACT

A flexible and optionally highly elastic waveguide capable of propagating and emitting light is disclosed. The flexible waveguide comprises a flexible material having a surface and an end, wherein a first portion of the light is emitted through at least a portion of the surface of the flexible waveguide, and a second portion of the light is emitted through the end. The flexible waveguide can be used, for example as an area illuminator for many applications. Additionally disclosed is a clothing device for providing illumination. The clothing device comprises clothing (or even optionally a sheet) and a light source for providing light. In one embodiment the clothing device comprises the flexible waveguide.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is of a flexible waveguide and its applications,and more. particularly, a device and system for directing light toilluminate an area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illumination devices are useful in many areas of modern life, such asillumination of working area, illumination for the purpose of signalingand illumination carrying different type of information, such as animage and the like.

In medical applications, the requirement for good illumination whileoperating, both in the operating room (OR) and in emergency andpre-hospital situations is one of the most critical elements ofsuccessful surgery and treatment. Until now, lighting techniques in haveevolved around the use of strong ceiling and head mounted lightfixtures. Even while using minimal invasive techniques, illumination andgood access for light source are a critical element is the treatment'ssuccess.

Unfortunately, the physical bodies of the surgeons, doctors, paramedics,nurses and devices tend to block light when delivered from ceilingmounted light fixtures, both reducing the overall amount of lightavailable, and producing confusing shadows. Head mounted light fixtures,on the other hand, may provide more directed light which avoids some ofthe problems of ceiling fixtures, but create other problems, such asstrain on the head and neck of the surgeon or nurse wearing such alight.

Hand-held lights, typically held by a nurse, may also be used, butresult in other problems, such as the requirement for a nurse or othermedical personnel to hold and operate the light, and the necessarilylimited size and weight of such lights. Also, this light is directed tothe place the surgeon is looking at, not to the place where it isneeded. Also, for all such lights, there is a problem of the differencein the quantity of light provided between an area that may be lighted bya hand-held or other light, and areas that do not receive light. Thiscontrast or difference further increases the need for a supplementallight to reduce the differences.

Of course, all of these different types of lighting are best suited forOR and/or emergency room use in controlled hospital settings. Yet evenin such an environment, such lighting cannot always provide sufficientillumination for a cavity. This is because of obstacles such as therequired angle of incidence and/or various structures that may block thelight such as the organs or tissue of the patient as well as thesurgeon's hands.

Emergency and/or surgical medicine in some applications, such asmilitary environments for example or pre-hospital situations (traumacenter, field medicine, airborne evacuation) provides an even greaterchallenge as it must be performed under less than optimal medicalconditions. These different types of lighting are not always suited forsuch conditions.

One attempt to overcome this problem has been to combine a cannula,which is a surgical tool, and a light-source. For example, Carlson etal. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,254 claim a surgical resection tool withirrigation, lighting, suction and vision. However, it is not disposableand light is conducted through a dedicated optical fiber.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,730, Luloh describes a special cannula for eyesurgery that has a plurality of optical fibers running outside saidcannula externally.

Berkowitz et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,129 claim a technique andapparatus for microsurgery including lighter-irrigator hypodermic tube.Light is conducted through optical fibers.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,471 Florin designed a suction/washing unit forbrain surgery that is comprised of two tubes having a fiber opticlight-source at their front-end.

A suction and illumination device is described in U.S. Pat. No.3,261,356 by Wallace, in which light is provided through optical fiberslocated between two concentric tubes.

Schultz in U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,134 provides light to various dentalinstruments by means of a single continuous optical fiber.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,686 to Duggan and Jennings describes a dentalappliance that includes a bite block and a suction tube attachment. Afiber optic light source is slidably and removably secured within thebite block.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,420 to Walker claims a dental mirror system having afluid conduit and/or a suction unit and a light transmitting cable toilluminate the work area.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,934 to Nath describes a flexible light guide of theliquid filled type. The liquid is contained in a flexible plastic tube.An infrared light is guided through the liquid within a living body formedical applications.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,154 to Coulter et al. discloses a glove apparatusincluding a glove member treated with an illuminative substance havingphosphorescence or fluorescent illuminative properties, and a lightcircuit system integrally packaged therewith. Light from the lightcircuit system is contained within a ring-like light housing memberwhich is preferably mounted on a finger section of the glove member. Theouter glove surface may be decorated to ornately represent a fictionalcartoon character, when the glove is implemented as a toy item.

WO 97/31219 to Trow discloses a work or surgical glove and illuminatorassembly which includes an illuminator oriented to project a light beamdistally of the glove toward the work surface. The illuminator may havea self-contained light source, or utilize fiber optic-transmitted lightfrom a remote light source. The illuminator may be disposed within theinterior of the glove and projects a beam of light through a glove tipwhich is translucent or transparent. The assembly is useful whenexamining or operating upon an anatomical part of a patient.

GB 2343361 to Spooner discloses a glove, particularly for cyclists,designed to give an illuminated signal so that other road users are madeaware of the cyclist's presence. The glove includes an electric light,an electric battery and two electrical contacts arranged to be touchedtogether to switch the light on by completing an electrical circuitbetween the battery and the electric light. In use, the wearer of theglove brings his thumb and forefinger together so that the twoelectrical contacts touch and the electric light is illuminated.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,105 to Koenen relates to a glove which has a sourceof illumination mounted on the glove itself, for projecting lightthrough a glove tip.

German Patent No. DE 19952430 is also of interest as background art.

In all aforementioned patents, there is a source of illumination mountedon the glove or other device, but not incorporated within the glove. Itshould be noted that some of these patents indicate non-medical uses forthe glove or other device, as such devices clearly have a broad range ofpossible applications, including but also extending beyond medicalapplications.

Issalene and Lantrua in U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,837 claim a surgical ordental instrument and cannulae for aspirating, cleaning, drying andilluminating. A light source is placed in a housing behind a sleeve. Thecannula is shaped and positioned for the light generated by the lightsource to be conveyed in the sleeve then in the cannula, whose wallperforms the role of a light guide. Light is conducted axially to thecannula's open end where it emerges out. In one of the embodiments, thecannula tip has a circular bead that improves light distribution at thecannula's tip. However, the cannula's front tip, that is the only lightemitting zone, provides a very limited illuminated area. Furthermore,the cannula's tip may be very close to or even in contact with softtissues that may block the light.

Such “tip-only” illuminating cannulae provide a limited illuminationarea. In many medical procedures it is advantageous to have a muchlarger area being illuminated and seen clearly. Also, cannulae ingeneral can only provide light in a limited area near the cannulaitself, regardless of the overall area being illuminated. This is aclear disadvantage, because the functions of the cannula may require itto be located at a distance from the area which must be illuminated forthe surgeon and/or other medical personnel. Also, a cannula may notalways be present.

Furthermore, such cannula are clearly only useful for surgicalprocedures. A more advantageous lighting device and system would providedirected light for many different types of procedures and environments,including non-medical environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The background art does not teach or suggest a flexible optical devicecapable of guiding a light while, at the same time, emitting a portionthereof through a predetermined region of its surface area. Thebackground art also does not teach or suggest such a flexible opticaldevice which is useful for a variety of different applications in whichthe emitted light can be used for illuminating a sufficiently largearea. The background art also does not teach or suggest such a flexibleoptical device in which the emitted light constitutes readableinformation, such as, but not limited to, an image.

The background art does not teach or suggest a lighting device andsystem which provides light for manual procedures in the area that suchlight is needed by the individual performing the procedure. Thebackground art also does not teach or suggest such a lighting device andsystem whose function can be integrated automatically into theperformance of the procedure. The background art also does not teach orsuggest such a lighting device and system which is useful for a varietyof different environments and procedures, including medical andnon-medical procedures.

The present invention overcomes these deficiencies of the background artby providing a flexible waveguide capable of propagating and emittinglight. The waveguide comprises a flexible material having a surface andan end, wherein a first portion of the light is emitted through at leasta portion of the surface of the flexible waveguide, and a second portionof the light is emitted through the end. The flexible waveguide ispreferably elastic, as described in greater detail below.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the inventiondescribed below, the flexible material comprises two or more layers,such that one layer has a refractive index which is larger than theother layer(s), to allow propagation of light via total internalreflection. One layer preferably comprises at least one impurity,capable of scattering the first portion of the light to thereby emit thelight through the surface. Alternatively, or additionally, one layercomprises at least one diffractive optical element for diffracting thefirst portion of the light to thereby emit the first portion through thesurface. Still alternatively, one layer includes one or more regions ofhigh refractive index, so as to prevent the light from being reflected.

The present invention overcomes the above deficiencies of the backgroundart by providing a device and system for illuminating a work area inwhich an individual is performing at least one manual procedure. Thedevice and system of the present invention are preferably implemented aswearable clothing, such as, but not limited to, gloves, sleeves, gowns,coats, protection clothing, hats, socks, which are naturally worn formany different types of manual procedures, in order to protect theindividual performing the procedure and/or the environment in which theprocedure is being performed. Alternatively, the device of the presentinvention may also be held by the user, for example, when the device isimplemented as an endoscope or another device which is naturally held bythe user for performing other tasks. Optionally and preferably, devicefeatures the flexible waveguide of the present invention, such thatlight at a desired wavelength and intensity is emitted therefrom whilethe individual is performing the procedure.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention theflexible optical device is embedded within the material of the clothingduring manufacturing process. Alternatively, the flexible optical devicemay be provided as a separate external layer to the clothing. Theflexible optical device preferably includes material for directing thelight to a particular point, or, more preferably, multiple points (e.g.,an area), in order to avoid absorption of the light by the clothingmaterial before light is provided from the desired location for thepurposes of illumination.

The present invention can be implemented in many environments and/orprocedures, including, for example, medical environments and/orprocedures, in which gloves are the favored clothing. Such medicalenvironments includes those located in a hospital or other controlledmedical setting, and those performed in such non or less controlledsettings as battlefields or other military or pre-hospital environments,and/or industrial environments. Other examples include, withoutlimitation, “clean rooms” for the production of specialized electronicequipment; law enforcement situations; and scientific and/or researchenvironments.

Additionally, the clothing can be used as an identification device inwhich the individual who wears the clothing is identified by thewavelength of the light emitted thereby. In particular, when thewavelength of the emitted light is in the invisible range (e.g.,infrared or ultraviolet) the individual who wears the clothing,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, can not beidentified by an unarmed eye.

The clothing according to the present invention optionally andpreferably include an external or internal light source connected to theclothing itself, for example through optical fibers being connected tothe clothing via a special connector implemented within, or affixed to,the clothing. The light source may optionally be located at a distancefrom the clothing, for example as a “belt pack” or other portable systemfor being carried on the body of the person wearing the clothing. Such a“belt pack” may also optionally hold the energy source for the light.Alternatively, the light source may optionally be attached directly tothe clothing.

Also, optionally and more preferably, the light is transmitted fromvarious points in the clothing. Optionally, the light is onlytransmitted from a predetermined region of the clothing, for example,when the clothing is embodied as a glove, the light may be emitted (i)from the entire area of the glove; (ii) from one ore more limited areas,e.g., the underside (palm side) of the glove, in order to avoid lightbeing transmitted to the eyes of the user, thereby causing glare; or(iii) from a more specific region, such as, but not limited to, the tipsof one or more fingers.

Optionally and more preferably, a plurality of individuals using theclothing for collectively performing a process may wear different typesof clothing. For example, a surgeon may optionally choose to wear gloveswith illumination at the tips, while a nurse may optionally wear glovesproviding illumination over a large portion of the area of the hand.

According to another optional embodiment of the present invention, lightemitted from the flexible waveguide preferably provides information,such as a predetermined pattern. For example, the flexible waveguide mayemit light of different wavelengths from different regions. Thisembodiment is particularly useful when the flexible waveguide of thepresent invention is used for signaling or for displaying predeterminedpatterns. For example, the flexible waveguide may emit light in onegeometrical pattern in one situation and light in another geometricalpattern in a different situation, thereby to serve as a display or tosignal the user for a change in the situation (e.g., temperaturechange).

The present invention may alternatively be embodied as a cannula and/orother surgical instrument, as described in greater detail below.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. In case of conflict, the patentspecification, including definitions, will control. In addition, thematerials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intendedto be limiting.

Hereinafter, the term “connected to” also includes “embedded within.”Hereinafter, the term “metallic” includes a material having at least onephysical, chemical or optical property of a metal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a waveguide, according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a flexible material in anembodiment in which three layers are employed;

FIG. 3 a is a schematic illustration of the flexible material in anembodiment in which at least one impurity is used for scattering alight;

FIG. 3 b is a schematic illustration of the flexible material in anembodiment in which the impurity is a plurality of particles, having agradually increasing concentration;

FIG. 3 c is a schematic illustration of the flexible material in anembodiment in which one layer thereof is formed with one or morediffractive optical elements for at least partially diffracting thelight;

FIG. 3 d is a schematic illustration of the flexible material in anembodiment in which one or more regions have different indices ofrefraction so as to prevent the light from being reflected;

FIGS. 4 a-b are schematic illustrations of the waveguide when used forproviding information.

FIGS. 5 a-d are schematic illustrations of optical coupler, according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic implementation of a glove device according tothe present invention.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show exemplary implementations of a glove deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show schematic block diagrams of two differentexemplary implementations of a system according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the system of FIGS. 8a and 8 b, in an embodiment in which a light source is located at aphysical distance from the glove device.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary cannula according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary surgical clamp according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 shows coupling between a light source and a prototype waveguide.

FIGS. 13 a-c show illumination provided by the prototype waveguide atthree different levels of light intensities: low (FIG. 13 a), medium(FIG. 13 b) and high (FIG. 13 c).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a flexible waveguide which can beimplemented, for example, in a device or a system for providingillumination of an area, optionally for performing one or more physical,manual operations. The present invention also preferably includes adevice and system for illuminating a work area in which an individual isperforming at least one manual procedure.

As the present invention relies upon the ability to transmit and emitlight through a waveguide, a brief description of such technology isprovided herein. The technology to transmit and guide light rays throughoptical systems exploits a physical phenomenon known as total internalreflection, in which a light is confined within a material surrounded byother materials with lower refractive index. For the purpose ofproviding a complete document, the total internal reflection phenomenonis now described herein.

When a ray of light moves within a transparent substrate and strikes oneof its internal surfaces at a certain angle, the ray of light can beeither reflected from the surface or refracted out of the surface intothe open air in contact with the substrate. The condition according towhich the light is reflected or refracted is determined by Snell's law,which is a mathematical relation between the impinging angle, therefracting angle (in case in case of refraction) and the refractiveindices of both the substrate and the air. Broadly speaking, dependingon the wavelength of the light, for a sufficiently large impinging angle(also known as the critical angle) no refraction can occur and theenergy of the light is trapped within the substrate. In other words, thelight is reflected from the internal surface as if from a mirror. Underthese conditions, total internal reflection is said to take place.

Many optical systems operate according to the total internal reflectionphenomenon. One such optical system is the optical fiber. Optical fibersare transparent flexible rods of glass or plastic, basically composed ofa core and cladding. The core is the inner part of the fiber, throughwhich light is guided, while the cladding surrounds it completely. Therefractive index of the core is higher than that of the cladding, sothat light in the core impinging the boundary with the cladding at acritical angle is confined in the core by total internal reflection.

As stated, total internal reflection occurs only for light raysimpinging the internal surface of the optical fiber with an angle whichis larger than the critical angle. Thus, a calculation performedaccording to geometrical optics may provide the largest angle which isallowed for total internal reflection to take place. An importantparameter of every optical fiber (or any other light transmittingoptical system) is known as the “numerical aperture,” which is definedas the sine of the largest incident light ray angle that is successfullytransmitted through the optical fiber, multiplied by the index ofrefraction of the medium from which the light ray enters the opticalfiber.

Another optical system designed for guiding light is the graded-indexoptical fiber, in which the light ray is guided by refraction ratherthan by total internal reflection. In this optical fiber, the refractiveindex decreases gradually from the center outwards along the radialdirection, and finally drops to the same value as the cladding at theedge of the core. As the refractive index does not change abruptly atthe boundary between the core and the cladding, there is no totalinternal reflection. However, although no total internal reflectiontakes place, the refraction bends the guided light rays back into thecenter of the core while the light passes through layers with lowerrefractive indexes.

Optical fibers are available in various lengths and core-diameters. Forlarge core diameters, glass optical fibers are known to be more brittleand fragile than plastic optical fiber.

Another type of optical system is based on photonic materials, where thelight ray is confined within a band gap material surrounding the lightray. In this type of optical system, also known as a photonic materialwaveguide, the light is confined in the vicinity of low-index region.One example of a photonic material waveguide is a silica fiber having anarray of small air holes throughout its length. This configuration iscapable of providing lossless light transmitting, e.g., in eithercylindrical or planar type waveguides.

The above description holds both for polarized and unpolarized light.When polarized light is used, an additional electromagnetic phenomenoninfluences the reflection of the light, as further explainedhereinbelow.

Polarized light is produced when the direction of the electromagneticfields in the plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation areconstrained in some fashion. For the purpose of providing a simpleexplanation, only the electric field is discussed herein. Acomplementary explanation, regarding the magnetic field, can be easilyobtained by one ordinarily skilled in the art by considering themagnetic field as being perpendicular to both the direction ofpropagation and the electric field.

The light is said to be elliptically polarized when two perpendicularcomponents of the electric field have a constant phase difference, andthe tip of the electric field vector traces out an ellipse in the planeperpendicular to the direction of propagation. Linearly polarized lightis a special case of elliptically polarized light, where the twocomponents oscillate in phase and the electric vector traces out astraight line.

Circularly polarized light is also a special case of ellipticallypolarized light in which the two components have a 90° phase differenceand the electric field vector traces out a circle in the planeperpendicular to the direction of propagation. When viewed lookingtowards the source, a right circularly polarized beam at a fixedposition as a function of time has a field vector that describes aclockwise circle, while left circularly polarized light has a fieldvector that describes a counter-clockwise circle.

When polarized light strikes a surface between two different materials,it is useful to define the polarization of the light relative to thesurface, typically horizontal and vertical polarizations, with respectto the surface. When the light strikes a material having associatedvalues of permeability, permittivity and conductivity, a portion of theenergy carried by the light is lost due non-ideal conductivity of thematerial. The relative portion of the energy which is lost is defined asthe reflection coefficient of the material. The reflective coefficientvaries according to the angle of incidence, the polarization of theincoming wave, its frequency and the characteristics of the surface. Forhorizontal polarizations the coefficient may be generalized to aconstant value, whereas for vertical polarizations however, thecoefficient varies between 0 and 1.

When the reflective coefficient value goes to zero, the light is notreflected from the surface. This phenomenon is known as the Brewstereffect, and the angle at which there is not reflection (for a particularpolarization) is called the Brewster angle. This angle often referred toas the polarizing angle, since an unpolarized wave incident on aninterface at this angle is reflected as a polarized wave with itselectric vector being perpendicular to the plane of incidence.

The present invention provides a waveguide which can be used forproviding illumination of a working area. As further detailedhereinunder, there are two physical phenomena (in addition to totalinternal reflection) which may be exploited by the waveguide of thepresent invention. These are scattering and diffraction of light.

Unlike the above mentioned reflection, where radiation is deflected fromthe surface in one direction, some particles and molecules, also knownas scatterers, have the ability to scatter radiation in more than onedirection. Many types of scatterers are known. Broadly speaking,scatterers may be categorized into two groups: (i) selective scatterers,which are more effective at scattering a particular wavelength (i.e.,color), or a narrow range of wavelengths, of the light; and (ii)non-selective scatterers are capable of scattering light in a wide rangeof wavelengths.

The diffraction phenomenon is the slight bending of light as it passesaround the edge of an object, or at an opening thereof The amount ofbending depends on the relative size of the wavelength of light to thesize of the opening. If the opening is much larger than the light'swavelength, the bending will be almost unnoticeable. However, if the twoare closer in size or equal, the amount of bending is considerable, andeasily seen with the naked eye. Light can also be diffracted whenpassing between two close particles, when the physical separationbetween the particles is of the order of the light's wavelength.

Optical effects resulting from diffraction are produced through theinteraction of light waves originating from different regions of theopening causing the diffraction. Illustratively, one can view thisinteraction as one of two types of interferences: (i) a constructiveinterference when the crests of two waves combine to produce anamplified wave; and (ii) a destructive interference when a crest of onewave and a trough of another wave combine, thus canceling each other. Askilled artisan would, however, appreciate that there are manysituations in which the interaction between the light waves is morecomplicated, e.g., when the light has a plurality of wavelengths.

The principles and operation of a waveguide, device and system accordingto the present invention may be better understood with reference to thedrawings and the accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided aflexible waveguide 50 capable of propagating and emitting light.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary and schematicillustration of waveguide 50, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. Waveguide 50 comprises a flexible material 52 havinga surface 54 and an end 56. In use, when light 51 enters waveguide 50, afirst portion 58 of light 51 is emitted through at least a portion ofsurface 54, while a second portion 60 of light 51 is emitted through end56. Thus, waveguide 50 is capable of (i) transmitting light 51 throughflexible material 52, (ii) emitting portion 58 of light 51 throughsurface 54, and (iii) emitting portion 60 of light 51 through end 56.

Flexible material 52 is preferably biocompatible, so as to allowimplementation of waveguide 50 in medical applications. Additionally,flexible material 52 is preferably elastic, having elasticity of atleast 100%, more preferably at least 300%, most preferably from 400% to600%. Thus, flexible material 52 can be, for example, an elastomer.

Preferably, the material comprises a polymeric material. The polymericmaterial may optionally comprise a rubbery or rubber-like material.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention flexiblematerial 52 is preferably formed by dip-molding in a dipping medium, forexample, a hydrocarbon solvent in which a rubbery material is dissolvedor dispersed. The polymeric material optionally and preferably has apredetermined level of cross-linking, which is preferably betweenparticular limits. The cross-linking may optionally be physicalcross-linking, chemical cross-linking, or a combination thereof. Anon-limiting illustrative example of a chemically cross-linked polymercomprises cross-inked polyisoprene rubber. A non-limiting illustrativeexample of a physically cross-linked polymer comprises cross-linkedcomprises block co-polymers or segmented co-polymers, which may becross-linked due to micro-phase separation for example. Flexiblematerial 52 is optionally cross-linked through application of aradiation selected from the group consisting of electron beam radiationand electromagnetic.

Although not limited to rubber itself, the material preferably has thephysical characteristics of rubber, such as parameters relating totensile strength and elasticity, which are well known in the art. Forexample, flexible material 52 is preferably characterized by a tensileset value which is below 5%. The tensile set value generally depends onthe degree of cross-linking for cross-linked polymeric materials and isa measure of the ability of flexible material 52, after having beenstretched either by inflation or by an externally applied force, toreturn to its original dimensions upon deflation or removal of theapplied force.

The tensile set value can be determined, for example, by placing tworeference marks on a strip of flexible material 52 and noting thedistance between them along the strip, stretching the strip to a certaindegree, for example, by increasing its elongation to 90% of its expectedultimate elongation, holding the stretch for a certain period of time,e.g., one minute, then releasing the strip and allowing it to return toits relaxed length, and re-measuring the distance between the tworeference marks. The tensile set value is then determined by comparingthe measurements before and after the stretch, subtracting one from theother, and dividing the difference by the measurement taken before thestretch. In this invention, using a stretch of about 90% of its expectedultimate elongation and a holding time of one minute, the preferredtensile set value is less than about 5%

The transmission of light 51 through flexible material 52 can be done inany way known in the art, such as, but not limited to, total internalreflection, graded refractive index and band gap optics. Additionally,polarized light may be used, in which case the propagation of light 51can be facilitated by virtue of the reflective coefficient of flexiblematerial 52. For example, a portion of flexible material can be made ofa dielectric material having a sufficient reflective coefficient, so asto trap light 51 within at least a predetermined region of waveguide 50.

In any event, flexible material 52 is preferably designed andconstructed such that at least a portion of light 51 propagatestherethrough at a plurality of directions, so as to allow the emissionof portion 58 through more than one point.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates flexible material 52in an embodiment in which total internal reflection is employed. Hence,in this embodiment flexible material 52 comprises a first layer 62, asecond layer 64 and a third layer 66. Preferably, the refractive indexof first 62 and third 66 layers, designated in FIG. 2 by n₁, is smallerthan the refractive index, n₂, of second layer 64. In suchconfiguration, when the light impinges on internal surfaces 65 of layer64 at an impinging angle, θ, which is larger than the critical angle,θ_(c)=sin⁻¹(n₁/n₂), the light energy is trapped within layer 64, and thelight propagates therethrough in a predetermined propagation angle, α.Subsequently, when portion 60 of light 51 arrives end 56 of flexiblematerial 52, it exits into the surrounding medium.

It is to be understood that light 51 may propagate through waveguide 50also when the impinging angle is smaller than the critical angle, inwhich case one portion of light 51 is emitted and the other portionthereof continue to propagate. For example, when flexible material 52comprises dielectric or metallic materials, where the reflectivecoefficient depends on the impinging angle, θ. This embodiment isparticularly useful when light 51 is polarized, in which case flexiblematerial 52 is preferably selected such that the reflective coefficientis sufficiently large so as to allow, as further detailed hereinabove.

The propagation angle, α, which is approximately 90−θ (in degrees),depends on the thickness of flexible material 52 in general and each offirst 62, second 64 and third layers 66. In addition, α depends on theratio between the indices of refraction of the layers. Specifically,when n₂ is much larger than n₁, α is large, whereas when the ratio n₂/n₁is close to, but above, unity, α is small. According to a preferredembodiment of the present invention the thickness of layers 62, 64 and66 and the indices of refraction are selected such that light 51propagates in a predetermined propagation angle. A typical thickness ofeach layer is from about 10 μm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about50 μm to about 500 μm, most preferably from about 100 μm to about 200μm.

The difference between the indices of refraction of layers 64 and 62 orbetween the indices of refraction of layers 64 and 62 is preferablyselected in accordance with the desired propagation angle of light 51.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theindices of refraction are selected such that propagation angle is fromabout 5 degrees to about 30 degrees. For example, layer 64 may be madeof poly(cis-isoprene), having a refractive index of about 1.52, andlayers 62 and 66 may be made of Poly(dimethyl siloxane) having arefractive index of about 1.45, so that Δn≡n₂−n₁≈0.07 and n₂/n₁≈0.953corresponding to a propagation angle of about 17 degrees.

The emission of the light from the surface of flexible material 52 maybe achieved in more than one way. Broadly speaking, one or more oflayers 62, 64 and 66 preferably comprises at least one additionalcomponent 71 (not shown, see FIGS. 3 a-d) designed and configured so asto allow the emission of the light through the surface. Following areseveral examples for the implementation of component 71, which are notintended to be limiting.

Referring to FIG. 3 a, in one embodiment, component 71 is implemented asat least one impurity 70, present in second layer 64 and capable ofemitting first portion 58 of light 51, so as to change the propagationangle, α, of the light. Impurity 70 may serve as a scatterer, which, asstated, can scatter radiation in more than one direction. When portion58 is scattered by impurity 70 in such a direction that the impingingangle, θ, which is below the above mentioned critical angle, θ_(c), nototal internal reflection occurs and first portion 58 is emitted throughsurface 54 (not shown; see FIG. 1). According to a preferred embodimentof the present invention the concentration and distribution of impurity70 is selected such that portion 58 of light 51 is emitted from apredetermined region of surface 54 (not shown; see FIG. 1). Morespecifically, in regions of waveguide 50 where larger portion of thepropagated light is to be emitted through the surface, the concentrationof impurity 70 is preferably large, while in regions where a smallportion of the light 58 is to be emitted from surface 54 theconcentration of impurity 70 is preferably smaller.

As will be appreciated by one ordinarily skilled in the art, the energytrapped in waveguide 50 decreases each time a light ray is emittedthrough surface 54. On the other hand, it is often desired to usewaveguide 50 to provide a uniform surface illumination. Thus, as theoverall amount of energy decreases with each emission, a uniform surfaceillumination can be achieved, either by gradually increasing the amountof light entering waveguide 50, or, alternatively and preferably, bygradually increasing the ratio between the emitted light and thepropagated light. According to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the increasing emitted/propagated ratio is achieved by anappropriate selection of the distribution of impurity 70 in layer 64.More specifically, the concentration of impurity 70 is preferably anincreasing function of the optical distance which the propagated lighttravels.

Optionally, impurity 70 may comprise any object that scatters light andwhich is incorporated into the flexible materially, including but notlimited to, beads, air bubbles, glass beads or other ceramic particles,rubber particles, silica particles and so forth, any of which mayoptionally be fluorescent particles or biological particles, such as,but not limited to, Lipids.

FIG. 3 b further details a preferred embodiment of the invention for acomponent 71. In FIG. 3 b, impurity 70 is optionally and preferablyimplemented as a plurality of particles 42, distributed in an increasingconcentration in layer 64 so as to provide a light gradient. Particles42 are preferably organized so as to cause light to be transmitted withsubstantially lowered losses through scattering of the light. It shouldbe noted that particles 42 may optionally be implemented as a pluralityof bubbles in a solid plastic portion, such as a tube for example.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sizeparticles 42 is selected so as to selectively scatter a predeterminedrange of wavelengths of the light. More specifically small particlesscatter small wavelengths and large particles scatter both small andlarge wavelengths. This embodiment is particularly useful inapplications in which light 58 is used to carry information, as furtherdetailed hereinunder, with reference to FIGS. 4 a-c.

Particles 42 may also optionally act as filters, for example forfiltering out particular wavelengths of light. Preferably, differenttypes of particles 42 are used at different locations in waveguide 50.For example, particles 42 which are specific to scattering of aparticular wavelength or a predetermined wavelength range may preferablybe used within waveguide 50, at locations where such particularwavelength is to be emitted from waveguide 50 to provide illumination.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention impurity 70is capable of producing different optical responses to differentwavelengths of the light. The difference optical responses can berealized as different emission angles, different emission wavelengthsand the like. For example, different emission wavelengths may beachieved by implementing impurity 70 as beads each having predeterminedcombination of color-components, e.g., a predetermined combination offluorophore molecules.

When a fluorophore molecule embedded in a bead absorbs light, electronsare boosted to a higher energy shell of an unstable excited state.During the lifetime of excited state (typically 1-10 nanoseconds) thefluorochrome molecule undergoes conformational changes and is alsosubject to a multitude of possible interactions with its molecularenvironment. The energy of the excited state is partially dissipated,yielding a relaxed singlet excited state from which the excitedelectrons fall back to their stable ground state, emitting light of aspecific wavelength. The emission spectrum is shifted towards a longerwavelength than its absorption spectrum. The difference in wavelengthbetween the apex of the absorption and emission spectra of afluorochrome (also referred to as the Stokes shift), is typically small.

Thus, in this embodiment, the wavelength (color) of the emitted light iscontrolled by the type(s) of fluorophore molecules embedded in thebeads. Other objects having similar or other light emission propertiesmay be also be used. Representative examples include, withoutlimitation, fluorochromes, chromogenes, quantum dots, nanocrystals,nanoprisms, nanobarcodes, scattering metallic objects, resonance lightscattering objects and solid prisms.

Referring to FIG. 3 c, in another embodiment, component 71 isimplemented as one or more diffractive optical elements 72 formed withlayer 64, for at least partially diffracting the light. Thus, thepropagated light, after a few reflections within layer 64, reachesoptical element 72 where a portion of the light energy is coupled out ofwaveguide 50, while the remnant energy is redirected through an angle,which causes it to continue its propagation through layer 64.

When a plurality of optical elements 72 is used (two are exemplified inFIG. 3 b), the process of partial refraction each optical element 72 isrepeated during the propagation of the light (or, more precisely, theremnant thereof). The advantage of the presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention is that optical element 72 can be formed on a specificside of layer 64 so that only the respective external surface offlexible material 52 is capable of emitting the light while the othersurface remains opaque.

Optical element 72 may be realized in many ways, including, withoutlimitation, a non-smooth surface of layer 64, a mini-prism or gratingformed on internal surface 65 and/or external surface 67 of layer 64.Diffraction Gratings are known to allow both redirection andtransmission of light. The angle of redirection is determined by anappropriate choice of the period of the diffraction grating often called“the grating function.” Furthermore, the diffraction efficiency controlsthe energy fraction that is transmitted at each strike of light on thegrating. Hence, the diffraction efficiency may be predetermined so as toachieve an output having predefined light intensities; in particular,the diffraction efficiency may vary locally for providing substantiallyuniform light intensities. Optical element 70 may also be selected suchthat portion 58 of light 51 has a predetermined wavelength (i.e.,color). For example, in the embodiment in which optical 70 is adiffraction grating, the grating function may be selected to allowdiffraction of a predetermined range of wavelengths.

Referring to FIG. 3 d, in an additional embodiment, one or more regions74 of first layer 62 and/or second layer 66 may have different indicesof refraction so as to prevent the light from being reflected frominternal surface 65 of second layer 64. For example, denoting the indexof refraction of region 74 by n₃, a skilled artisan would appreciatethat when n₃>n₂, no total internal reflection can take place, becausethe critical angle, θ_(c), is only defined when the ratio n₃/n₂ does notexceed the value of 1. An advantage of this embodiment is that theemission of portion 58 of light 51 through surface 54 is independent onthe wavelength of the light. A representative example for the use of thepresently preferred embodiment of the invention is by wetting one ormore regions of layer 62 and/or 66 thereby increasing the index ofrefraction at the wetted region and allowing light 51 to exit.

Waveguide 50 of the present invention is capable of transmitting andemitting light both through its surface and through it end. The lightmay enter waveguide 50 for example, from any light source which iscapable of providing electromagnetic radiation either in the visiblerange or in the non-visible range (e.g., the infrared range theultraviolet range, etc.).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lightsource may be connected to an optical fiber or a fiber bundle. The lightsource may be realized as an electric light source, for example anincandescent light source, a tungsten lamp, a xenon/neon lamp and/or anyother type of halogen lamp, or a laser light source or other single orlimited wavelength light source, such as, but not limited to, one ormore light emitting diode (LEDs). Alternatively, the light source may bea chemical light source, for example a light stick.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention components71 (e.g., impurity 70, optical element 72, region 74) allows portion 58of light 51 to exit through surface 54 of waveguide 50 at apredetermined region. This embodiment is particularly useful inapplications where the emitted light serves for carrying some kind ofinformation. The information can be in any form which is suitable to becarried by light. For example, patterns (e.g., words, numbers, symbols),colors, intensities, etc.

FIGS. 4 a-b show different embodiments in which waveguide 50 providesinformation through component 71.

The simplest configuration is shown in FIG. 4 a, arranged such thatportion 58 exits through surface 54 in a particular pattern or patterns102, so that when light 51 enters waveguide 50, pattern or patterns 102are illuminated by portion 58 of light 51, hence providing the user withinformation in the form of the patterns which he observes. Consequently,when no light is present in waveguide 50, say, when the light source isswitched off, for example by a switch 104, pattern or patterns 102 arenot illuminated thereby provide the user with information in the form ofthe absence of patterns 102. This embodiment may be implemented usingany of the above alternatives for component 71. More specificallypattern or patterns 102 may be defined by (i) an appropriatedistribution of impurity 70; (ii) a judicious selection of the type andposition of diffractive element 72; and (iii) an appropriate position ofregion 74.

Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 b, is arranged such that when theincoming light 51 has a certain wavelength (color), light 58 exits inone pattern or patterns 106 and when light 51 has another wavelengthportion 58 of light 51 exits in a different pattern or patterns 108.Thus, in this embodiment, waveguide 50 displays different patterns fordifferent wavelengths of the incoming light (light 51). This embodimentis preferably implemented in combination with the embodiment in whichimpurity 70 is capable of producing different emission wavelengths todifferent wavelengths of the incoming light, as further detailedhereinabove;

In an additional embodiment, the intensity or the color of light 58provides the necessary information. For example, a change in the colorof light 58 and/or a change in the intensity thereof, provides the userwith information of a change in temperature, moisture, electromagneticfield, etc., in the proximity of waveguide 50. This embodiment ispreferably implemented in combination in embodiment in which component71 is sensitive to temperature, moisture, or electromagnetic field. Forexample, in this embodiment, component 71 may comprise a dielectric ormetallic material, in which case the reflection and refractionproperties of flexible material 52 are sensitive to environmentalconditions such as, but not limited to, temperature and electromagneticfield. Alternatively, component 71 may include any of the abovealternatives, in which case the refraction indices of layers 62 and/or66 preferably depend on the level of moisture in the air.

The present invention successfully provides an optical coupler fordirecting the light from the light source into a waveguide (e.g.,waveguide 50), an optical fiber or a fiber bundle, for the purpose oftrapping the light within the waveguide.

In one embodiment, the optical coupler may be realized as a solid statedevice into which light enters at a predetermined angle and exits at aplurality of angles, such that each portion of the waveguide or eachoptical fiber in the fiber bundle is engaged by a portion of the light.One would appreciate that this could be done either for a coherent lightor for a multi-wavelength light. Alternatively, the optical coupler mayoptionally split the light according to its wavelength, therebydirecting different wavelengths to different directions. This embodimentmay be used, e.g., in applications in which it is desired that differentportions of the waveguide or different fibers in the fiber bundleprovide light of different colors.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 a, which is a schematic illustration ofan exemplary optical coupler, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The optical coupler comprises a converging opticalelement 82 and a waveguide 84. Converging optical element 82 can be, forexample a light transmissive substrate having a spherical or any othergeometrical shape which is suitable for converging the light beam to itsfocal point. Waveguide 84 may be, for example, an optical fiber, anoptical fiber bundle, a flexible material (such as, but not limited to,flexible material 52) and the like.

As stated, any light transmitting optical system can be characterized bya parameter known as the numerical aperture, which is commonly definedas the sine of the largest incident light ray angle that is successfullytransmitted therethrough, multiplied by the index of refraction of themedium from which the light ray enters the optical system. Thus,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention opticalelement 82 is capable of focusing a light beam to impinge on waveguide84 at an impinging angle satisfying the numerical aperture whichcharacterizes waveguide 84. The light beam is represented in FIG. 5 a byits outermost light rays 86.

Referring to FIG. 5 b, in one configuration, optical element 82comprises a converging lens 90 (e.g., a microlens) and a shutter 88.Converging lens 90 serves for focusing the light into waveguide 84, andshutter 88 serves for blocking any light ray which cannot satisfy thenumerical aperture of waveguide 84. When the light beam emanating fromthe light source is substantially narrow, shutter 88 may be excludedfrom optical element 82.

The focal distance, f, of a lens of radius, r, having a refractiveindex, n, satisfy the following equation:f ⁻¹=(n−1)r ⁻¹.   (Eq. 1)As a representative numerical example, supposing that the refractiveindex of waveguide 84 is about 1.5, then, the focal distance of lens 90,which satisfies Equation 1, approximately equals its radius. Referringnow to FIG. 5 c, if, for example, light source 28 is connected to anoptical fiber or a fiber bundle 94, lens 90 is can be embodied as acurvature of waveguide 84, thus collecting a substantial portion of thelight from light source 28. This embodiment is particularly useful whenthe diameter of optical fiber 94 (or each optical fiber if a fiberbundle is used) is of the order of the thickness of waveguide 84.

Referring now to FIG. 5 d, when light source 28 is not coupled to anoptical fiber, optical element may be realized as a reflector 96 (e.g.,a converging reflector) which serve for redirecting the light intowaveguide 84. This embodiment is particularly useful when light source28 is sufficiently small to be positioned in close proximity towaveguide 84 and reflector 96. For example, this embodiment may beemployed when the light source comprises a LED or a compact chemicallight source (such as, but not limited to, a light stick). Reflector 96may also be combined with shutter 88 (not shown). In this embodiment, aportion of the light which is reflected by reflector 96 and which doesnot satisfy the numerical aperture of waveguide 84 is blocked by shutter88.

As stated, flexible material 52 preferably comprises polymeric material.The polymeric material may optionally comprise natural rubber, asynthetic rubber or a combination thereof. For example, latex mayoptionally be used. Examples of synthetic rubbers, particularly thosewhich are suitable for medical articles and devices, are taught in U.S.Pat. No. 6,329,444, hereby incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein with regard to such illustrative, non-limiting examples.The synthetic rubber in this patent is prepared fromcis-1,4-polyisoprene, although of course other synthetic rubbers couldoptionally be used. Natural rubber may optionally be obtained fromHevena brasiliensis or any other suitable species.

Other exemplary materials, which may optionally be used alone or incombination with each other, or with one or more of the above rubbermaterials, include but are not limited to, crosslinked polymers such as:polyolefins, including but not limited to, polyisoprene, polybutadiene,ethylene-propylene copolymers, chlorinated olefins such aspolychloroprene (neoprene) block copolymers, including diblock-,triblock-, multiblock- or star-block-, such as:styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers, or styrene-isoprene-styrenecopolymers (preferably with styrene content from about 1% to about 37%),segmented copolymers such as polyurethanes, polyether-urethanes,segmented polyether copolymers, silicone polymers, including copolymers,and fluorinated polymers and copolymers. Other exemplary materialsinclude but are not limited to, polyvinylchloride, nitrile,poly(2,3-dimethylbutadiene), poly(dimethyl siloxane), ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer-40% vinyl acetate, ethylene/vinyl acetatecopolymer-30% vinyl acetate, poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile),optionally with one or more additives (e.g., colloidal silica).

For example, optionally and preferably, the second layer comprisespolyisoprene, while the first layer optionally and preferably comprisessilicone. If a third layer is present, it also optionally and preferablycomprises silicone.

According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, theflexible material is formed by dip-molding in a dipping medium.Optionally, the dipping medium comprises a hydrocarbon solvent in whicha rubbery material is dissolved or dispersed. Also optionally, thedipping medium may comprise one or more additives selected from thegroup consisting of cure accelerators, sensitizers, activators,emulsifying agents, cross-linking agents, plasticizers, antioxidants andreinforcing agents.

Coupler 38 and/or waveguide 50 may be used in many applications, suchas, but not limited to, in a clothing device. According to a preferredembodiment of the present invention reflector 96, light source 28,and/or shutter 88 are shaped in accordance with the application forwhich they are used. For example, coupler 38 and/or waveguide 50 may beimplemented in a glove device, in which case reflector 96, light source28 and/or shutter 88 are shaped as a ring, compatible with the hand ofthe user.

The clothing device of the present invention is preferably naturallyworn for many different types of manual procedures. For example, in oneembodiment, the device and system of the present invention implementedas gloves which may be worn is in order to protect the individualperforming the procedure and/or the environment in which the procedureis being performed.

Illustrative examples of such environments and/or procedures for usingthe present invention include, but are not limited to, medicalenvironments and/or procedures, including those located in a hospital orother controlled medical setting, and those performed in such non orless controlled settings as battlefields and other militaryenvironments, and/or pre-hospital situations, and/or industrialenvironments; “clean rooms” for the production of specialized electronicequipment; law enforcement situations; and scientific and/or researchenvironments.

Additionally, the clothing can be used as an identification device inwhich the individual who wears the clothing is identified by thewavelength of the light emitted thereby. Further, the clothing can beused as a selective identification device, for example, when thewavelength of the emitted light is in the invisible range (e.g.,infrared or ultraviolet) so that the individual who wears the clothing,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, can onlybe identified by an armed eye.

The clothing may optionally and preferably be constructed of suchmaterials as latex, rubber, or any synthetic plastic material, such asany type of plastic polymer such as vinyl, nitrile, or any othersuitable material, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the clothing orat least a portion thereof is manufactured from flexible material 52 soas to facilitate the propagation and emission of light, as furtherdetailed hereinabove.

The clothing according to the present invention optionally andpreferably include a light source connected to the clothing itself, forexample through fiber optics. The light source may optionally be locatedat a distance from the clothing, for example as a “belt pack” or otherportable system for being carried on the body of the person wearing theclothing. The “belt pack” or other container system may also optionallyhold the energy source for the light source. Alternatively, the lightsource may optionally be attached directly to the clothing. In anyevent, the clothing preferably also features waveguides, e.g., waveguide50. More preferably, the waveguide is attached to or embedded within thematerial of the clothing. Alternatively the waveguide can be prepared asa separate external layer to the clothing. This material can alsooptionally be blended, for example as a chemical substance added to thelatex blend, such as polystyrene, rather than as a plurality of slicedfiber optic pieces. These waveguides preferably include material fordirecting the light to a particular point or multiple points, in orderto avoid absorption of the light through the fiber optic material beforeit reaches the desired location. For example, if waveguide 50 is used,light propagates therethrough and being emitted, inter alia, through thesurface thereof, as further detailed hereinabove.

Alternatively, the fiber optic material may optionally be provided as afiber optic and/or a bundle of fiber optics.

Also, optionally and more preferably, the light is transmitted fromvarious points in the clothing. Such points may optionally beconstructed from small fiber optic parts and/or a different polymericmaterial such as polystyrene for example. Alternatively, if waveguide 50is used such points may be inherent to the construction thereof.

For example, when clothing is implemented as gloves, the light may beselectively transmitted from the tips of one or more fingers. Morepreferably, when the gloves are warn, for example, by a surgeon, thelight is only transmitted from the underside (palm side) of the gloves,in order to avoid light being transmitted to the eyes of the surgeon,thereby causing glare.

Optionally and more preferably, a plurality of individuals using theclothing for collectively performing the process may wear differenttypes of clothing. For example, a surgeon may optionally choose to weargloves with illumination at the tips, while a nurse may optionally weargloves providing illumination over a large portion of the area of thehand.

Referring now again to the drawings, FIG. 6 shows an exemplary andschematic implementation of a clothing device 10 according to thepresent invention. For illustrative purpose only, clothing device 10 isshown as a glove device, which includes a glove 12. It is to beunderstood that clothing device 10 may be implemented in any otherclothing, such as, but not limited to, sleeves, hats and socks, whichare naturally worn for many different types of manual procedures.

Hence, as shown in FIG. 6, device 10 preferably features a glove 12 forcovering at least a portion of a human hand. Glove 12 may optionally beconstructed of latex, rubber, or any synthetic plastic material, such asany type of plastic polymer such as vinyl, or a combination thereof.Different types of each of these materials may also optionally be used,such as thermoplastic and/or vulcanized rubber, for example. Examples ofplastic polymers include but are not limited to, PVC, PVP andpolystyrene. Preferably, any type of suitable material that may be usedfor gloves of the type desired for a particular implementation of thepresent invention, as is known in the art. Furthermore, such glovematerial is more preferably in compliance with international standardsregarding ageing and heat resistance, as described for example in thestandard ISO 188 (reference number ISO 188:1998 (E)), herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Optionally and preferably glove 12 features a plurality of lighttransmission points 14, through which the light is provided forillumination. For the optional and preferred implementation of thepresent invention with fiber optics, light is preferably channeled tolight transmission points 14 through at least one optical fiber 20.Optical fiber 20 may optionally be constructed according to any wellknown method in the art. Alternatively or in addition, glove 12preferably features waveguide 50 so that light propagates through andemitted from waveguide 50, as further detailed hereinabove, withreference to FIGS. 1-3.

Optical fiber 20 preferably receives light from a light source 28.Although such a light source may optionally be mounted on glove 12, morepreferably, light is transmitted from the light source through one ormore optical fibers 32 through a connector 22, which connects these oneor more optical fibers to optical fibers 20, or to waveguide 50.

The light source is optionally and preferably capable of generatingillumination suitable for the particular application for which glove 12is used. For example, if glove 12 is worn by a surgeon in an operatingroom, the light source preferably generates at least 150-foot candles,which is the preferred illumination flux on the operation table.

As shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, optionally and preferably glove 12features a plurality of light transmission points 14. Such lighttransmission points may be constructed, as stated, either using aplurality of optical fibers 20 (not shown) or by a proper design ofwaveguide 50 (for example, by a judicious distribution of impurity 70,optical element 72 or regions 74 as further detailed hereinabove withregard to FIGS. 3 a-c). According to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, at least a portion of light transmission points 14are present in at least one fingertip 16 of glove 12, as shown in FIG. 7a. The implementation of light transmission points 14 in FIG. 7 a is oneoption, with light transmission points 14 arranged in a band or line.

As shown in FIG. 7 b, alternatively and optionally, a portion of lighttransmission points 14 may be present at another location of glove 12,such as at palm 18 of glove 12. Optionally and more preferably,different types of gloves 12 may have light transmission points 14 atdifferent locations and/or may predominantly have light transmissionpoints 14 at particular locations, such as fingertip 16 as opposed topalm 18, for example.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show two different exemplary implementations of asystem 24 for providing light for transmission to glove device 10, asschematic block diagrams. FIG. 8 a shows a first preferredimplementation of system 24, in which a power source 26 provides powerto a light source 28. Such power may optionally be provided through anelectrical connector 30, for example.

Light source 28 is located separately from glove device 10, and may belocated at any convenient location, for example attached to a belt packfor being worn by the user (not shown). An optical fiber 32 preferablytransmits light from light source 28 to glove device 10. Optionally andmore preferably, optical fiber 32 transmits such light to a ringconnector 34 or an optical coupler 38 mounted on glove device 10. Ringconnector 34 may supports optical fibers 20 when such optical fibers areemployed, for actually transmitting the light throughout glove device10.

Optical fiber 32 is preferably connected to light source 28 in a mannerthat light from light source 28 impinges on optical fiber 32 inaccordance with the numerical aperture of optical fiber 32. In addition,optical fiber 32 and ring connector 34 or optical coupler 38 arepreferably connected, such that the light being transmitted from opticalfiber 32 to ring connector 34 is directed in accordance with thenumerical aperture of each of optical fibers 20, or waveguide 50. Ringconnector 34 may also optionally feature particles (not shown) forreflecting the light to the proper location within glove device 12, asdescribed in greater detail with regard to FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 8 b, system 24 also features power source 26, glovedevice 10 and electrical connector 30. However, for this alternativeimplementation, a light source 36 is preferably mounted on glove device10, for example at ring connector 34.

For either embodiment, substantially any type of light source mayoptionally be used, including but not limited to, an incandescent lightsource, a tungsten lamp, a xenon/neon lamp and/or any other type ofhalogen lamp, or a laser light source or other single or limitedwavelength light source.

FIG. 9 shows a portion of system 24, according to the preferredembodiment in which light source 28 is located at a physical distancefrom glove device 10. As shown, energy source 26 provides energy tolight source 28 through electrical connector 30. Light is thentransmitted from light source 28 through optical fiber (or fiber bundle)32 to glove device 10, only a portion of which is shown. Preferably,optical fiber 32 connects to glove device 10 at connector 22. Aplurality of connectors 22 may optionally be used to form ring connector34 (not shown, see FIGS. 8 a and 8 b). Connector 22 preferably thenconnects to an optical coupler 38. Optical coupler 38 is preferablyconnected to optical fibers (not shown), such that light is transmittedthrough the optical fibers. Alternatively, rather than using opticalfibers, light could optionally be channeled through glove device 10 withwaveguide 50 as further detailed hereinabove.

Other types of devices may optionally be used in place of clothing forthe present invention, such as a cannula (shown in FIG. 10) and/orsurgical clamps (shown in FIG. 11). Each of these devices ischaracterized by being at least partially constructable from clear ortranslucent plastic, thereby permitting the transmission of lighttherefrom. Preferably, at least a portion of each of these devices ismade of a flexible material, such as, but not limited to, flexiblematerial 52, which is capable of transmitting and emitting light, asfurther detailed hereinabove.

It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant lighttransmitting optical systems will be developed and the scope of the termoptical fiber is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the presentinvention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art uponexamination of the following example, which is not intended to belimiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects ofthe present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in theclaims section below finds experimental support in the followingexample.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which, together withthe above descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limitingfashion.

Example 1 Flexible Materials and Indices of Refraction

Representative examples for polymers which may be used for any of layers62, 64 and 66 include, without limitations, Latex, with index ofrefraction of 1.514; polyvinylchloride, with index of refraction of1.539; Nitrile, with index of refraction of about 1.52; and Chloroprene(Neoprene), with index of refraction of 1.558. Other materials which maybe used include, without limitation, poly(cis-isoprene), with index ofrefraction of 1.5191; Poly(2,3-dimethylbutadiene), with index ofrefraction of 1.525; Poly(dimethyl siloxane), with index of refractionof 1.4035; Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer-40% vinyl acetate, withindex of refraction of 1.4760; Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer-30%vinyl acetate, with index of refraction of 1.4820,Poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile), with index of refraction of 1.52;natural rubber, with index of refraction of 1.514; andPoly(chloroprene), with index of refraction of 1.558. In addition, ahigh refractive index may also be achieved, in accordance with optionalpreferred embodiment of the present invention, by using additives (e.g.,colloidal silica).

Example 2 Prototype Waveguide

A prototype waveguide was manufactured, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the prototypewaveguide included three layers (see FIG. 2), in which an intermediatelayer (layer 64 in FIG. 2) served as the core waveguide and the externallayers (layers 62 and 66 in FIG. 2) served as the clad. The intermediatelayer was made of polyisoprene having a refractive index n₂≈1.52, andeach of the external layers was made of silicone rubber, having arefractive index n₁≈1.40.

Polyisoprene and silicone rubber are biocompatible polymers which arecommonly used in many medical devices, for example gloves. Thesematerials have proven to be highly transparent to visible light, hencewere suitable to serve as a core material for the prototype waveguide.When crosslinked both materials exhibit elasticity of about 500%, whichis suitable for medical gloves.

FIG. 12 shows the coupling between the light source and the prototypewaveguide. As shown, the light successfully channeled into thewaveguide.

FIGS. 13 a-c show the illumination provided by the prototype waveguideat three different levels of light intensities: low (FIG. 13 a), medium(FIG. 13 b) and high (FIG. 13 c). As shown the prototype waveguide iscapable of transmitting light therethrough, whereby a portion of thelight is emitted through its surface. A sample located near theprototype waveguide is clearly illuminated thereby.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims. All publications, patents and patentapplications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated intheir entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extentas if each individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein byreference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference inthis application shall not be construed as an admission that suchreference is available as prior art to the present invention.

1. A flexible waveguide capable of propagating and emitting light,comprising a flexible material having a surface and an end, wherein afirst portion of the light is emitted through at least a portion of saidsurface of the flexible waveguide, and a second portion of the light isemitted through said end.
 2. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein saidflexible material is elastic.
 3. The waveguide of claim 2, wherein saidflexible material is characterized by an elasticity of at least 100%. 4.The waveguide of claim 2, wherein said flexible material ischaracterized by tensile set value of less than about 5%.
 5. Thewaveguide of claim 3, wherein said flexible material is transparent. 6.(canceled)
 7. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein said flexible materialcomprises a polymeric material.
 8. The waveguide of claim 7, whereinsaid polymeric material comprises a rubbery material. 9-11. (canceled)12. The waveguide of claim 7, wherein said flexible material has apredetermined level of cross-linking.
 13. The waveguide of claim 12,wherein said cross-linking is physical cross-linking.
 14. The waveguideof claim 12, wherein said cross-linking is chemical cross-linking. 15.The waveguide of claim 12, wherein said cross-linking is a combinationof physical cross-linking and chemical cross-linking. 16-18. (canceled)19. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein said flexible material comprises adielectric material, and further wherein a reflection coefficient ofsaid dielectric material is selected so as to allow propagation ofpolarized light through the waveguide, and emission of said polarizedlight through said surface of the waveguide.
 20. (canceled)
 21. Thewaveguide of claim 1, wherein said flexible material is a multilayeredmaterial.
 22. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein said flexible materialcomprises a first layer having a first refractive index, and a secondlayer being in contact with said first layer and having a secondrefractive index being larger that said first refractive index.
 23. Thewaveguide of claim 22, wherein at least one of: a thickness of saidfirst layer, a thickness of said second layer, said first refractiveindex and said second refractive index, is selected so that the lightpropagates at a predetermined propagation angle.
 24. The waveguide ofclaim 22, wherein said propagation angle is from about 5 degrees toabout 30 degrees.
 25. The waveguide of claim 22, wherein said secondlayer comprises polyisoprene.
 26. (canceled)
 27. The waveguide of claim22, wherein said flexible material further comprises a third layer forbeing in contact with said second layer and having a third refractiveindex being smaller than said second refractive index. 28-29. (canceled)30. The waveguide of claim 22, wherein said at least a portion of saidsurface comprises a predetermined pattern. 31-35. (canceled)
 36. Thewaveguide of claim 33, wherein said at least one additional componentcomprises at least one impurity, present in said second layer and beingcapable of emitting said first portion of the light through said atleast a portion of said surface.
 37. The waveguide of claim 36, whereinsaid at least one impurity comprises a plurality of particles capable ofscattering said first portion of the light to thereby emit said firstportion through said at least a portion of said surface. 38-43.(canceled)
 44. The waveguide of claim 43, wherein said at least onediffractive optical element is selected from the group consisting of anon-smooth surface of said second layer, a mini-prism and a diffractiongrating.
 45. The waveguide of claim 43, wherein a location of said atleast one diffractive optical element is selected such that said firstportion of said light is emitted from a predetermined region of saidsurface area.
 46. The waveguide of claim 45, wherein said predeterminedregion of said surface area comprises a predetermined pattern.
 47. Thewaveguide of claim 44, wherein said at least one diffractive opticalelement is designed and constructed to selectively diffract apredetermined range of wavelengths of the light.
 48. The waveguide ofclaim 33, wherein said at least one additional component comprises atleast one region of high refractive index, present in said first layerand/or in said third layer, said high refractive index being selectedsuch that said portion of said light is emitted through said at least aportion of said surface. 49-50. (canceled)
 51. The waveguide of claim50, wherein said predetermined region of said surface area comprises apredetermined pattern. 52-61. (canceled)
 62. A flexible waveguidecapable of propagating and emitting light, comprising a flexiblematerial having a surface and an end, the flexible waveguide comprisingat least one impurity capable of scattering a first portion of the lightso that said first portion of the light is emitted through at least aportion of said surface of the flexible waveguide, while a secondportion of the light is emitted through said end.
 63. A flexible opticaldevice, comprising: (a) an optical coupler; and (b) a flexible materialhaving a surface and an end, said flexible material being characterizedby a numerical aperture; wherein said optical coupler is capable offocusing light to impinge on said flexible material at an impingingangle satisfying said numerical aperture, and said flexible material ischaracterized in that a first portion of said light is emitted throughat least a portion of said surface, and a second portion of said lightis emitted through said end.
 64. A method of providing illumination, themethod comprising: providing a flexible material having a surface and anend; propagating light through said flexible material; emitting a firstportion of said light through at least a portion of said surface; andemitting a second portion of said light through said end.
 65. The methodof claim 64, wherein said emission of said first portion of the light isby at least one impurity, present in said flexible material and beingcapable of emitting said first portion of the light through said atleast a portion of said surface. 66-89. (canceled)